Authentic Ethiopian Gored Gored Recipe

Ingredients

1 kg of beef tenderloin, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons of berbere spice
2 tablespoons of clarified butter (niter kibbeh)
1 teaspoon of cardamom powder
1 teaspoon of salt
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of white wine (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Injera (Ethiopian flatbread), for serving

Steps and instructions

Start by cutting the beef into 1-inch cubes. Make sure to trim any excess fat.
In a large bowl, combine the berbere spice, cardamom, salt, and minced garlic.
Add the cubed beef to the bowl and toss until the beef is well coated with the spice mixture.
Heat the clarified butter (niter kibbeh) in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the spiced beef to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until the beef is browned but still pink in the middle.
If desired, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine. Cook for an additional minute to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
Remove the pan from the heat. The gored gored can be served immediately, while it's still warm.
Optionally, squeeze a wedge of lemon over the beef before serving. This adds a refreshing acidity that balances out the richness of the meat and the heat of the spices.
Traditionally, gored gored is served with injera (Ethiopian flatbread). Use pieces of injera to pick up the beef and sop up the delicious juices.

Tools for making

Cutting board - A sturdy surface for cutting the beef tenderloin into cubes.
Sharp knife - To cut the beef tenderloin into cubes.
Large bowl - To mix the spices and coat the beef cubes.
Large pan - For cooking the gored gored.
Spatula - To flip and stir the beef cubes while cooking.
Measuring spoons - To measure the spices accurately.
Citrus juicer - If using lemon wedges, to squeeze the lemon juice over the gored gored.

Recipe variations

For a spicier version, increase the amount of berbere spice or add some chili flakes to the spice mixture.
Instead of beef tenderloin, you can use lamb or chicken as the protein source.
For a vegetarian/vegan option, replace the meat with firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of berbere spice or use a mild curry powder instead.
To add some sweetness, you can include a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup in the spice mixture.
For a gluten-free version, serve the gored gored with gluten-free bread or a side of gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice.
You can experiment with different spices and herbs like cumin, turmeric, or ginger to customize the flavor profile of the dish.
For a crispy texture, you can coat the beef cubes with breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before cooking.
If you want to add some vegetables, you can sauté onions, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes along with the beef.

Recipe overview

Gored gored is a popular dish in Ethiopia, known for its simplicity and rich flavor. This recipe combines tender cubes of beef with a fiery blend of spices, cooked quickly to retain a juicy, pink center. Clarified butter, known as niter kibbeh, adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while a splash of white wine and a squeeze of lemon provide a burst of freshness to balance the heat of the spices. Traditionally, gored gored is served with injera, a type of Ethiopian flatbread, which you can use to pick up the succulent pieces of meat and mop up the mouthwatering juices. This gored gored recipe is a feast of flavors and textures that's sure to impress at your next dinner party. Enjoy this taste of Ethiopia!

Common questions

Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use a different cut of beef if you prefer. However, it is recommended to use a tender cut like beef tenderloin for the best results.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of berbere spice used. On the other hand, if you enjoy spicier dishes, you can increase the amount according to your taste.
Do I have to use clarified butter?
While clarified butter (niter kibbeh) adds a rich flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with regular butter if needed.
What can I serve with gored gored?
Gored gored is traditionally served with injera, which is an Ethiopian flatbread. However, you can also serve it with rice, couscous, or even crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Can I marinate the beef in the spice mixture?
It is not necessary to marinate the beef in this recipe. Simply tossing the beef in the spice mixture right before cooking will sufficiently flavor the meat.
Can I make gored gored in advance?
Gored gored is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, while it's still warm. However, you can prepare the spice mixture and cut the beef in advance to save time. Cook the beef just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board to safely cut the beef into cubes.
Sharp knife - A sharp knife to easily and precisely cut the beef.
Large bowl - A large bowl to mix the spice mixture with the beef.
Large pan - A large pan to cook the beef cubes.
Tongs or spatula - Tongs or a spatula to flip the beef cubes while cooking.
Lemon squeezer - A lemon squeezer to extract juice from the lemon wedges.
Serving platter - A platter to present the gored gored when serving.
Injera or flatbread - Injera or Ethiopian flatbread to serve alongside the gored gored.

Origin stories

Steeped in the rich culinary tradition of Ethiopia, gored gored is a testament to the country's love for spices and raw meat. This dish, usually served as a delicacy on special occasions, is a favorite among the brave-hearted for its fiery kick and intense flavor. Surprisingly, despite its popularity, gored gored is actually a fairly recent addition to the Ethiopian culinary scene. It was only in the late 20th century, with the influx of refrigeration, that the consumption of raw meat dishes like gored gored became widespread in the country. This adoption of a newer food practice is a beautiful example of the dynamic nature of food cultures, constantly evolving with times yet rooted in their unique flavors and ingredients. The fact that gored gored can now be found in Ethiopian restaurants worldwide is a testament to its irresistible allure.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.